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EDITOR’S NOTE: The information for this regional business review was prepared by InvestUP, a private sector-led, non-profit economic development organization based in Marquette.
MARQUETTE -- Trans Superior Resources, a Michigan-based subsidiary for Bitterroot Resources Ltd., has received $5.2 million in U.S. Department of War funding, available through the Defense Production Act Title II program, to advance high-grade nickel and copper exploration at the LM Property in the Baraga Basin.
The funding will help Trans Superior Resources with exploratory drilling, geophysical and geochemical surveys, permitting, and other work aimed at identifying a potential domestic source of critical minerals.
The project is located near Eagle Mine in a mineral-rich area spanning across Baraga and Marquette counties. Exploration drilling is expected to continue through 2028, with Bitterroot Resources planning to use local geologists and contractors for drilling and access road work.
NMU College of Business project clears final funding step
MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University, an InvestUP board member, has received final state approval for approximately $13 million to go towards a new College of Business facility, clearing the way for construction to begin in May 2027.
NMU will contribute another $9.5 million to the project, which will add 24,000 square feet to the C.B. Hedgcock Building and renovate another 15,000 square feet for classrooms, labs, a new cyber lab, faculty offices, study areas, and community space.
The NMU Foundation, also an InvestUP board member, is supporting fundraising for the project and has already raised more than $3 million. The new facility is expected to open for the fall 2028 semester, giving NMU's business programs a dedicated home that adds more capacity for business, cybersecurity and workforce development in Marquette.
Neighborhood Roads Fund sends new dollars to all 15 U.P. counties
MARQUETTE -- Communities across the Upper Peninsula are receiving their first payments through Michigan's new Neighborhood Roads Fund, providing additional resources for local roads, bridges, transit, and transportation infrastructure.
All 15 U.P. counties received funding, along with cities and villages across the region. Among the larger city allocations are $232,000 for Marquette, $171,000 for Sault Ste. Marie, $161,000 for Escanaba, $113,000 for Menominee and $109,000 for Iron Mountain, with additional funding reaching Gladstone, Ishpeming, Kingsford, Manistique, Munising, Negaunee, Norway, and smaller communities. The additional dollars give local road agencies more ability to address aging infrastructure and maintain the transportation network residents and businesses depend on daily.
Michigan UIA expands unemployment support in U.P.
MARQUETTE -- The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is launching a new Community Ambassadors Program to provide unemployment services closer to workers and communities across the state.
The Upper Peninsula is included within UIA's Northern Michigan region, which is now served by Community Ambassador Nicole Grim. Ambassadors will hold walk-in hours and work with residents facing layoffs, plant closures, reduced hours, and other workforce disruptions.
UIA is also expanding access in other ways, including plans to allow unemployment claimants to complete work registration entirely online later this year. Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie are among the communities with UIA local offices able to give in-person support.
Limestone Financial Credit Union expanding to Garden with new branch
GARDEN -- Manistique-based Limestone Financial Credit Union, an InvestUP board member, has secured a permanent location in Garden for its newest branch, expanding access to financial services in the community.
The property at 6364 State St. is being remodeled and will offer ATM access, in-person banking, financial education programming and other community services once complete. Limestone FCU will begin serving Garden from a temporary location in October while construction continues. The expansion gives residents and businesses closer access to banking services and extends the credit union's presence in the region.
Northern Michigan University receives HEED Award for academic excellence, belonging
MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University has received the 2026 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award from the Insight Into Academia magazine, recognizing the university's work around academic excellence, belonging, and community-building.
NMU is one of 61 institutions that will be featured in the magazine's October 2026 issue. The recognition speaks to continued investment in the way NMU integrates academic excellence, student support, and community-building into its institutional priorities.
That work also carries significance for the entire region, where the university plays an important part in developing talent, attracting students, and contributing to the social and economic strength of the U.P.
U.P. again named Top Fall Color Destination by USA TODAY readers
MARQUETTE -- The Upper Peninsula has once again taken the top spot in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards Best Destination for Fall Colors.
More than 85% of the U.P.'s 16,500-square-miles is forested, with nearly 1,500 miles of suggested fall color routes winding through hardwood forests, along Great Lakes shorelines, and past waterfalls, overlooks, and small towns
This is not the first win in the category for the U.P., which helps keep one of the region's stronger tourism seasons in front of travelers. Fall visitors support lodging, restaurants, shops, attractions, and other businesses across the peninsula, extending visitor activity well beyond the summer months.
MTEC SmartZone to administer statewide workforce development program
MARQUETTE -- General Motors has contributed $1.5 million to support the MiSTEM Network and expand STEM education across Michigan, bringing the company's total support to $2.5 million.
InvestUP board member MTEC SmartZone will coordinate administration of the funding, working with MiSTEM and GM to connect students with learning opportunities aligned with real-world industry needs. The investment will support elementary STEM programming, community and business engagement, and continued development of a statewide STEM learning asset map.
Established in 2015, Innovate Marquette SmartZone is a hub for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The organization provides startups and small businesses with access to critical resources, from mentorship and funding to research partnerships and workspace.
That work is producing measurable results. In FY2025, Innovate Marquette helped startups secure $3.2 million in follow-on funding, supported 21 new clients and 11 new businesses, and contributed to 53 new jobs.